Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). It is a month devoted to raising awareness about sexual violence, educating communities on how to prevent it, and promoting prevention efforts throughout the year. We take this time to honor survivors and inspire people to take action to end sexual violence.
We encourage you to participate in the SAAM events listed below and follow our @bewellwwu Instagram account for more information.
Every person deserves to be treated with love, dignity and respect.
If you are a Western student who is experiencing or has experienced relationship abuse, sexual violence, stalking or harassment, you are not alone and support is available through Western's Survivor Advocacy Services.
We also offer two survivor support groups. If you are interested in joining a group, visit our Groups page for more information.
After Silence
A confidential space for students who identify on the feminine gender spectrum to learn resilience skills and connect with others after experiencing interpersonal violence.
Art-Based Support
A safe space for survivors of violence to support one another in healing. Available to and affirming of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Art supplies are provided.
Take action by participating in SAAM events at Western throughout the month of April. Check back often for a list of upcoming events for 2024, and follow the @BeWellWWU account on Instagram for updates.
SAAM Kickoff in Red Square
Stop by our table in Red Square to help us kick off SAAM at WWU! Pick up a teal SAAM ribbon, resources to support survivors, SAAM coloring pages, and We Are All Worthy T-shirts while supplies last!
Disability, Pleasure, and Sex
Join the CWC and Disability Outreach Center for a conversation about disability, pleasure, and sex with Jenn Mason, owner of WinkWink, Bellingham's woman-owned, identity-inclusive sex shop.
Part of our weekly Students Get Involved events!
Queer Consent Culture
A collaborative student workshop where people can come together and discuss the importance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and its intersections with queer communities. Co-hosted with LGBTQ+ Western.
Part of our weekly Students Get Involved events!
Faculty and Staff Training
Faculty and staff, including student employees, are invited to participate in a training on supporting student survivors. This interactive training, co-hosted by Survivor Advocacy Services and the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will cover the roles and responsibilities for faculty and staff.
This training focuses on how each of us can have a role in supporting students who have experienced sexual violence/harassment in our community. We will review employee reporting requirements, all available resources, and options. Includes practice providing resources and support when a student discloses.
Denim Day Tabling
Join us on Denim Day to raise awareness about the misconceptions around sexual assault by wearing jeans and stopping by our table to pick up resources and learn more about this day, the longest-running national sexual violence prevention education campaign.
Part of our weekly Students Get Involved events!
WWU Track & Field Meet Honoring SAAM
Stop by our resource table and stay for the WWU Track & Field invitational honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The meet starts at 9 AM and tabling runs from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Consent Education for Parents and People Who Care for Children
Are you a parent or community member who works with or cares for children? One important way to contribute to ending sexual assault is in supporting children in their bodily autonomy. Join the Counseling and Wellness Center and other staff, faculty, and people who care for children to learn together and share tools for teaching young people about consent and boundaries.
The training will be held in person and on Zoom.
Supporting Survivors with Jessyca Murphy
Join Jessyca Murphy, director of the Make.Shift Art Space, for this workshop covering the basics of trauma-informed communication, skills for fostering empowerment, and exercises for taking care of yourself while supporting others, followed by a Q&A panel with Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) and the WWU Counseling and Wellness Center. A portion of the proceeds from this workshop will go towards supporting DVSAS. Hosted by Make.Shift Art Space, as part of their Scene Safety Workshop Series.
De-escalating Conflict with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
Join folks from the Whatcom County Dispute Resolution Center for a workshop covering tips for making plans and anticipating needs/responses, as well as strategies for de-escalating issues, including active listening and reframing techniques. A portion of the proceeds from this workshop will go towards supporting the WDRC. Hosted by Make.Shift Art Space, as part of their Scene Safety Workshop Series.
Practicing Accountability with Amanda Hodgins
Join Amanda Hodgins, MSW, LSWAIC, for an interactive workshop covering skills for building accountability in your personal life based on the PODS model developed by activist and writer, Mia Mingus. A portion of the proceeds from this workshop will be donated to Mingus’ organization SOIL: A Transformative Justice Project. Hosted by Make.Shift Art Space, as part of their Scene Safety Workshop Series.
SAAM Events Flyer
Download the 2024 SAAM events flyer and help us get the word out about upcoming events!
Supporting Friends
Download this resource for guidance on how to best support your friends if they are not feeling safe in a relationship and/or experienced violence.
Consent Guidebook
Download this resource to access accurate information about consent and sexual communication in order to support you in your relationships.
